The Australian cattle dog, commonly referred to as the blue heeler, is a robust, sturdy, muscular, and compact canine breed closely related to the dingo. These high-energy herding dogs display remarkable intelligence, sometimes outsmarting their owners, and can exhibit destructive behavior when they become bored.
For optimal nutrition, blue heelers thrive on a diet rich in protein and fat, mirroring the raw diets of their ancestors. Feeding them multiple times a day is essential, as they require a substantial calorie intake. We recommend offering them age-appropriate premium meals containing ample protein and fat, along with lean meats and nutritious vegetables.
Blue heelers can be excellent family pets when properly socialized with children and other animals during their puppyhood. This breed generally enjoys good health and has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. However, they are susceptible to certain genetic health issues, which might reduce their life expectancy. Additionally, many of these dogs face musculoskeletal problems as they age, making omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin crucial for their well-being. Now that you have a better understanding of your blue heeler’s dietary needs, you can confidently select a dog food from our review.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
- MORE CHICKEN IS COMING: An evolution of your dog’s formula with more chicken than ever, plus wholesome grains
- PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN: A recipe made to satisfy your dog’s natural love for meat, this high protein dog food features real chicken to help build...
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: BLUE Wilderness grain free dog food, made with healthy carbohydrates including sweet potatoes and peas, helps fuel your adult...
We’ve selected Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food as our top pick for the #1 Best Overall food for Blue Heelers. This grain-free, high-protein recipe is brimming with delectable chunks of real chicken, with deboned chicken as its primary ingredient. Not only will it satisfy your dog’s hunger, but it can also aid in the development of lean muscle mass.
This formula also boasts LifeSource Bits, which are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully chosen by experts to bolster your dog’s immune system health, cater to their life-stage requirements, and maintain a healthy oxidative balance. To fuel your dog’s active lifestyle, it relies on healthy carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas, rather than grains, providing the necessary energy. Furthermore, it contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat well-being.
Equally important is what this recipe excludes: it’s free from chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. However, it’s worth noting that a few reviewers mentioned that their dogs experienced digestive issues after consuming this food. Additionally, it’s essential to be aware that legumes, including peas, have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious and often fatal heart disease in dogs.
Holistic Select Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Optimal levels of protein plus prebiotics and probiotics, digestive enzymes, and dietary fiber in this dog food enhance digestion...
- HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT: Omega 3 fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseed to support healthy skin and coat
- WHOLE BODY HEALTH: Supported by omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine for a healthy heart
If you’re in search of a grain-free meal tailored for your Blue Heeler, the Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food might be the perfect choice for you. This formula is free from meat by-products, wheat, gluten, and fillers, and it contains no artificial ingredients.
This natural dog food is available in a delectable salmon, anchovy, and sardine flavor that dogs absolutely adore. It’s packed with prebiotics, probiotics, protein, fiber, and antioxidants, ensuring a nutritious and wholesome meal for your furry friend. What’s more, it includes live yogurt cultures that promote healthy digestion, making it gentle on your pup’s stomach.
Crafted in the USA, Holistic Select dog food is available in 4, 12, or 24-pound bags. However, it’s worth noting that this formula doesn’t include joint support supplements like glucosamine, and it falls into the higher-priced premium category, so prospective buyers should be aware of the investment.
ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food
- One (1) 13 lb bag of ORIJEN Puppy Grain Free* Dry Dog Food
- Grain free* dog food kibble tailored to provide the protein-powered nutrition your growing puppy needs to support peak development
- ORIJEN dog food made with 85 percent** fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients, including ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients like nourishing organs to...
ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food stands out as our top recommendation for Blue Heeler puppies. This dry dog food is a treasure trove of essential nutrients and minerals crucial for the healthy growth of your young pup. Formulated with a remarkable 85 percent meat content, it’s brimming with protein and wholesome fats. Featuring free-run chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish, this formula abstains from rendered meats, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Instead, it offers a generous dose of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with PHA, EPA, glucosamine, and chondroitin, all of which play a vital role in maintaining your pet’s bone and joint health.
ORIJEN is proudly sourced and manufactured in the USA, and it’s available in sizes ranging from a 12-ounce bag to 4.5, 13, or 25-pound options. Designed with puppies in mind, this meal is slightly higher in fat and calories to support their growth, but it may not be the best choice for pups carrying excess weight. However, it’s important to keep in mind that transitioning to this food may take a bit longer compared to other formulas, so be prepared to give your furry companion some extra time to adapt. Additionally, proper exercise is essential, as this meal might be challenging to digest if your pet isn’t getting enough physical activity.”
Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain Free Recipe
- SMALL BREED GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD WITH FREEZE DRIED RAW CAGE FREE CHICKEN: Instinct Raw Boost natural dry dog food combines high protein, grain free...
- SMALL BREED DOG FOOD PLUS FREEZE DRIED RAW PIECES: Made with calcium & phosphorus for strong teeth and bones plus glucosamine & chondroitin for joint...
- THE FIRST RAW BOOSTED SMALL BREED KIBBLE: Raw Boost mixes natural, high protein, grain free dog food with our freeze dried raw dog food toppers in one...
Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food is crafted from all-natural ingredients, featuring chicken and menhaden fish meal, which are densely packed with essential nutrients. These animal protein sources supply crucial amino acids that can enhance the immune system of your senior Australian cattle dog.
Chia seeds and fish oil are rich sources of omega fatty acids, benefiting your aging dog’s skin, vision, joints, and coat. Moreover, this delightful recipe is gentle on the digestive system. If you’re seeking a grain-free option for your senior canine companion, this is an excellent selection. It contains calcium and phosphorus to support healthy teeth and bones, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Importantly, it’s devoid of grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, byproducts, artificial coloring, and preservatives.
However, similar to other grain-free recipes on our list, it does include peas, which have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a severe and often fatal heart condition in dogs. While some dogs require a grain-free diet due to food allergies or sensitivities, others thrive on formulas that include grains. Your veterinarian can help you assess the benefits and potential risks of a grain-free diet for your beloved pet.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Natural Dry Dog Food Beef & Brown Rice Recipe
- Contains (1) 3.75 Pound Bag of Dry Dog Food
- U.S. farm-raised beef is always the #1 ingredient
- Natural dog food with added vitamins & minerals
Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Open Prairie proves that you can provide high-quality dog food without breaking the bank. This natural dry dog food formula is enriched with additional vitamins, minerals, and taurine, along with delicious proteins that align with dogs’ instinctual preferences. Real beef takes the lead, followed by real venison and real lamb, making up a nutrient-dense blend with a robust 30% high-quality protein content to keep your canine companion satisfied and content.
This recipe is free from grains, gluten, fillers, artificial flavors, dyes, and preservatives, ensuring a pure and delightful meal for your dog. It’s important to note that this recipe does contain various forms of peas (dried, starch, protein), and studies have linked peas and other legumes to the risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
A few pet parents reported that their dogs encountered digestive issues, including diarrhea, after consuming this food. Additionally, some reviewers mentioned that their dogs didn’t take a liking to this food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in the best dog food for my Blue Heeler?
When choosing dog food for your Blue Heeler, consider options with high protein and fat content, as these energetic dogs need the extra nutrition. Look for formulas that contain lean meats and vegetables for a well-rounded diet.
How often should I feed my Blue Heeler, and in what quantities?
Blue Heelers should be fed multiple times a day to maintain their energy levels. The quantity will vary based on their age, activity level, and individual needs. Consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
What are the potential health issues in Blue Heelers, and how can their diet help address them?
Blue Heelers can be prone to genetic health problems and musculoskeletal issues. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can help support their joint and bone health.
Can I feed my Blue Heeler a raw diet, and is it recommended?
Some Blue Heeler owners choose to feed a raw diet, but it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to ensure it meets their nutritional needs. Raw diets can be complex to balance correctly.